Both my boys are now back at school.. Halfway through the school year here which is crazy!!  With this term brings Castaways.. I only have 3 lessons left with each of my schools and they have come a loooong way with their sculptures... I now need to start mine!  

I have cut 2 wood templates out and fitted one with metal tubes which will allow for the legs to be slotted in.  It has been covered in scrunched paper and 'shaped'  Beak applied and one layer of paper mache.   Paper mache tip no. 1 the curvier your surface the thinner your paper strips need to be.  Paper mache tip no.2 when working in a cold house, use warm water (for no other reason than it keeps your fingers warm)...!!  

I aim this year (7 years in) to be fully prepared and able to install my birds within two hours MAX... Kristy and Dana, if you're reading this.....!!!!!!

I also received an application for Sculptures by the Sea and am tempted again to apply... I would love to be accepted and experience the vibe at Cottlesloe... we shall see.  The first deposit for my studio/shed has been paid and so I hopefully will have a fantastic working space within a couple of months.  I am soooo excited.. 

Anyhow i shall leave you with some little photos of my Castaways birdie no. 1 taking shape.  Although it is a little hard to see, 'he' is around 1 metre from tail to beak 'tip'... :)

Yesterday marked the end of a long exciting rollercoaster-ish journey.  Wearable Art 2016 came to an end.  I have just been so overwhelmed to the reception of my dress, the exposure, the friends that I have made and have plenty of ideas for 2017... however it is now Monday morning.... The postman has been and there is a letter for me...

I actually put two applications in.  My second application 'Bloom 2' wasn't accepted and will now go on the back burner for Melville Sculpture Walk or I might even apply for Sculptures by the Sea - if I am brave enough!!

So this means I now have to start my Long Legged Birdies sculpture of which I am very excited about.  I have collected children's book from Op Shops for the last few years and have a couple of suitcases full... Just the musty smell, the soft paper and perfect illustrations is enough to make me go weak at the knees!  Books have been a big love of mine.. I sit and absorb, I get lost, I fly high...  Think three large birds, all glassy and glossy with feathers made from vintage children's fairy tale books.  Long stripey legs, large expressive eyes and shiny aluminium beaks times 3... 3 beautiful big bright colourful birds parading on the Rockingham Foreshore.  I am so excited... did I already say that??